Alberto Korda- Guerrillero Heroico  (1960) 

What Makes an Image Iconic?

This snapshot portrait of Che Guevara is arguably one of the most iconic images taken in recent modern times. The majority of the world’s population will recognize it to a certain extent. However, why and what makes it so iconic? Perhaps an image of Martin Luther King giving his famous “I have a dream speech” should be more iconic due to its maintained relevance to society and its obvious meaning which comes alongside it. Or on the contrary, is this what gave the image of Guevara it’s status? The illusive and easily appropriated nature of the photo is why it is so far spread. A quote from a passage in “Why is it famous” written by Susan Bright states: “What is the social value of the image…does it reinforce or undermine dominant ideologies”. In my opinion the image neither undermines or dominates current ideologies and yet does both, this is what gives the graphic image the power it has. Its flexibility gives it the power of being socially valuable. Its heavy weight can be shifted in many directions, especially over the length of time this photo has been relevant.